RCMP Bust Interprovincial Trafficking Ring After $500K Casino Money-Laundering Probe
Posted on: April 20, 2026, 05:55h.
Last updated on: April 20, 2026, 08:43h.
- Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit charges two people with 19 offences
- Police allege $500K in crime proceeds funneled through casinos in three provinces
- Accused due in court today
The Nova Scotia RCMP has arrested two people after a forensic investigation revealed they funneled over $500,000 in sex trafficking proceeds through casinos in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario.
Three-Year Investigation
RCMP said its Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) began a sex trafficking investigation in the province involving several victims in 2023. That investigation soon spread to New Brunswick and Ontario.
Financial analysts with the Forensic Accounting Management Group (FAMG) got involved as the investigation progressed, discovering money funneled through casino activities.
“Investigators’ main priority in any human trafficking investigation is the safety of the victims,” says Sgt. Jeff MacFarlane, HTU. “As officers began working with the victims, they connected them with appropriate resources in addition to putting together evidence to support criminal charges.”
Investigation is Ongoing
Officers from the HTU, the Nova Scotia Organized Crime section, and East Hants District RCMP arrested two people April 10 connected to the investigation.
Fedul Cain, 49, of Porters Lake, NS, was charged with 13 offences related to human trafficking and financial crimes. Those charges include trafficking in persons, material benefit from sexual services, withholding or destroying documents, and laundering proceeds of crime.
Marissa Church, 43, from Chester Basin, NS, was also arrested for offences related to human trafficking and proceeds of crime.
Human Trafficking and Financial Crimes
Cain made a court appearance April 13 and is scheduled back in court today. Church was released by police on conditions until she appears in court.
“Reducing the harm caused by human trafficking remains a priority for police and communities across Nova Scotia,” says Sgt. MacFarlane.
“Addressing this issue requires a united effort, and we recognize the strength and courage of the victims who came forward to support this investigation. Their cooperation helped dismantle a sex trafficking network and protect others from being victimized,” the RCMP official added.
The investigation is ongoing, the RCMP said in a statement.
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